- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Belfast to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for May 31
Cheapest price
$74
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
10 h 40 m
Average duration
10 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
231 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Belfast to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Belfast to Edinburgh will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Belfast to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
UL923 · NX18010:20 AM10h40Belfast, Grand Central Station9:00 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$741One-way1 transfer
- UL923 · NX18010:20 AM10h40Belfast, Grand Central Station9:00 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$741One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Belfast to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Belfast to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $22, and a bus costs an average of $73.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$75 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 40m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Belfast to Edinburgh is a flight with an average price of $62 (€50).
This is compared to other travel options from Belfast to Edinburgh:
A flight is $14 (€11) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Belfast to Edinburgh costing on average $75 (€61).
The fastest way to travel from Belfast to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 55m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Belfast and Edinburgh including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Belfast to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Belfast to Edinburgh Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
Live departures
Belfast to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Belfast to Edinburgh buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL923 · NX180 | Delayed 5:30 PM 10:20 AMBelfast, Grand Central Station | 10h40 | 9:00 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Belfast to Edinburgh by bus or flight
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Belfast to Edinburgh buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Belfast to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Belfast to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Belfast to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Belfast to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Belfast to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Belfast to Edinburgh run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $73 (€59) but you can travel from only $22 (€17) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 10:20. The fastest bus covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 9h 40m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $22 (€17)
Distance 143 miles (231 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 (€59) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 40m |
First bus 6:30 AM |
Last bus 10:20 AM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $22 (€17)
Bus providers: National Express from Belfast to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Belfast to Edinburgh with National Express for as low as $22 (€17). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 40m
Cheapest Price
$73 (€59)
National Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
The national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for European masters and Scottish art. Easy to combine with Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile.
- Recommended
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of people who shaped Scottish history and culture. Popular for both the collection and the architecture.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyroodhouse through closes, courtyards, shops, and major heritage sites.
- Must visit
Princes Street Gardens
A central public garden below the castle with iconic skyline views, floral displays, and easy access to both Old and New Town sights.
- Must visit
Calton Hill
One of the city’s classic viewpoints, known for panoramic views, monuments, and sunrise or sunset photography. Especially popular on social media.
Haggis, Neeps And Tatties
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savory pudding traditionally made with minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, served with mashed turnips and potatoes.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, closely associated with the northeast but widely loved in Edinburgh.
Scotch Broth
A hearty traditional soup made with barley, root vegetables, and usually lamb or mutton, valued as classic Scottish comfort food.
The Scran & Scallie
A popular gastropub by Tom Kitchin serving refined Scottish pub classics in a warm, stylish, and relaxed setting.
Howies Restaurant
A long-established local favorite serving traditional Scottish dishes with local ingredients in a comfortable, accessible city-center setting.
The Sheep Heid Inn
One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, offering classic Scottish food and a historic tavern atmosphere slightly outside the city center.
Pound sterling
Expensive by UK standards. Hotels peak in summer and festival season, while pubs and casual dining are more manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple cafe meal.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up for taxis. Tips are optional in pubs and cafes.
Transport for Edinburgh
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- TapTapCap lets you pay by contactless card on Lothian buses and trams, with daily caps applied automatically.
- Single bus fares are exact and do not give change if you pay cash, so contactless payment is usually easiest.
FAQs: Bus from Belfast to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Belfast to Edinburgh by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Belfast to Edinburgh can start from as little as $73 (€59) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Belfast to Edinburgh is $75 (€61) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Belfast to Edinburgh is 9h 40m to travel the 143 miles (231 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Belfast to Edinburgh leaves at 6:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Belfast to Edinburgh leaves at 10:20 AM.
There are 1 buses a day from Belfast to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Belfast to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Belfast and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from Belfast is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Belfast to Edinburgh is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Belfast and Edinburgh including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Edinburgh are:
- Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Crown Jewels
- Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano providing hiking trails and a vantage point over Edinburgh
- The Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, lined with shops and landmarks
- Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture
- The National Museum of Scotland, a museum showcasing Scottish history, culture, and natural history through diverse exhibits.
The best things to do in Edinburgh include:
- Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with pubs, shops, and street performances
- Enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults of Edinburgh
- Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, known for its diverse range of shows
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, offering beautiful landscapes and plant collections
- Discover the hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Belfast to Edinburgh depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Belfast to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Belfast to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Belfast to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Belfast nor Edinburgh are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Belfast to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Belfast to Edinburgh
Belfast
Edinburgh
The major bus station for departures in Belfast is Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street for your trip from Belfast to Edinburgh.
Belfast, Upper Queen Street / Wellington Street
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Edinburgh is Edinburgh, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh, Bus Station for your trip to Edinburgh from Belfast.
Edinburgh, Bus Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Car connection
Elder StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Edinburgh, Bus Station
- Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Most popular bus connections from Belfast
More options for your journey from Belfast to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Belfast
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